CHEAT SHEET: Recognizing Developmental Milestone Challenges

At LUMINOUS, we base all of our discussions around milestones off of what optimal looks like for the majority of children. Just like many other things there are certain situations that bring nuance to this discussion but for the most kiddos each milestone should have many similar qualities to it.

Crawling ,for example, is something VITALLY important to every kiddos development. It is the the first major milestone that begins to ‘sync’ the right and the left side of the brain. So, it becomes less about simply ‘checking the box’ that a child is crawling and more about HOW are they crawling?

Are they scooting on their butt? Are they pushing off with one foot? Maybe even doing some kind of hybrid crawl bear crawl maneuver? The point being that anything other than what we consider textbook crawling (hands and knees moving in a cross crawl pattern - i.e. right hand left foot and left hand right foot) is less than optimal.

We take such a stand own these things because we know that if something like this or anything else on the list below is present that is a sign that a Childs nervous system needs support. It is NOT a blame and shame game or trying to label a child in any kind of way. We were all created intelligently, to develop OPTIMALLY, and to have OPTIMAL levels of health and well-being.

The nervous system is the KEY to this process we call milestones AND the foundation for our children’s health over the course of their entire life. If we help them set that foundation with a stronger, more resilient, more adaptable nervous system NOW they in turn will have the best chance to grow into that. Thus, giving them the best chance to have abundant levels of health and well-being.

Below is a ‘CHEAT SHEET’ for parents regarding milestones and what to look for as their child grows & develops.

(These aren’t diagnoses, but signals that your child’s nervous system may need extra support.)

• 🚼 Infancy (0–12 months)

  • Trouble with tummy time (hates it, stiff, or can’t lift head well)

  • Prefers one side (flat spot, torticollis, always looking one way)

  • Doesn’t roll both directions by 6 months

  • Scoots or skips crawling altogether

• 🧒 Toddler (1–3 years)

  • Late to walk (after 18 months)

  • Falls often or seems unsteady even after walking

  • Speech is delayed or hard to understand

  • Difficulty with eating textures, chewing, or swallowing

• 🧑 Preschool & School Age (3–7 years)

  • Struggles with coordination (running, jumping, catching a ball)

  • Trouble sitting still, focusing, or regulating emotions

  • Ongoing constipation, sleep troubles, or meltdowns

  • Sensory sensitivities (tags, noise, transitions are overwhelming)

👉 If you notice two or more in your child, it may point to stress in the nervous system that chiropractic care can help address.